Mason City man sentenced for theft, eluding Floyd County officers

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

A Mason City man has pleaded guilty to stealing a pickup truck and leading law enforcement officers on a chase through Floyd County that ended when the man crashed.

Jordan Nicholas Pohlman, age 29, was originally charged with second-degree theft, a Class D felony, and eluding or attempting to elude a law enforcement vehicle while participating in a felony, also a Class D felony.

The Floyd County Attorney’s Office later amended the charges to include having committed the crimes as a habitual offender, with Pohlman having previously been convicted in Cerro Gordo County of third-degree burglary, a controlled substance violation and third or subsequent offense possession of a controlled substance.

Pohlman was accused of stealing a 2005 GMC Sierra pickup early on Nov. 12. With hunting equipment in the pickup it brought the total value of the theft to $7,600, the report said.

After a Nora Springs officer attempted to stop him, Pohlman led authorities on a chase that ended when Pohlman crashed into an electrical pole.

Pohlman pleaded guilty to the two charges last week, noting in his plea that the penalty for a D felony as a habitual offender is up to 15 years in prison, with a mandatory three years incarceration before being eligible for parole.

As part of the agreement, the Attorney’s Office will recommend for each count a sentence of up to 15 years, fully suspended; three to five years probation; restitution; a $1,025 fine plus 15% surcharge, fully suspended; and other fees and costs.

The County Attorney’s Office will recommend that the sentences run consecutive with each other.

Last Tuesday, Judge Peter Newell accepted the guilty pleas and set sentencing for Jan. 26, 2021.

Newell ordered Pohlman released while awaiting sentencing, under supervision of the Iowa Department of Correctional Services pretrial release program.